The pose method does not make you faster.

It is a way to make money I believe.
They are trying to sell you that POSE is an easy way to run. That may be true that it is easier but IN MY OPINION only because it is slower running.

Some of the ideas seem to be valid, while some seemed strange to me. So does this mean that striking on the balls of your feet is a no go? I've read so many different things about this. Some say that its good if you do it right, some say its a good way to get injured. I liked the idea that some of the Pose method videos on youtube showed people doing drills where they strike on the ball of their feet and then transfer weight to their entire foot. Sort of like if you stood still and lifted one foot and came down on the ball of your foot and then put the back of your foot down. I'm just getting started with all of this running form stuff, but it's amazing how some small changes in posture and leg movement can make a HUGE difference! Thanks for the feedback.

I am a forefoot / midfoot striker and I don't think using the POSE method is necessary. I think they are over-analyzing things. Our bodies are designed to strike the balls of our feet while running (your heel should land softly afterwards or simultaneously even). You already know how to run that way. Instead of POSE I would incorporate some barefoot running into your training schedule (do not do too much too sooon!) and/or do some of your training in flats (I recommend Adidas). Your body will naturally find the most efficient way to run and trust me you won't be pounding your heels anymore. If you do too much too soon you WILL get injured. It will probably takes months to make the transition... that said most people don't have the patience for it.

http://This message has been edited by RacingThoughts (edited Oct-05-2007).

What Adidas shoes do you run in?

I train in Adidas AdiZero PRs... they are excellent flats, 4oz each, low heel and extremely flexible, but I wouldn't recommend those to someone who's just getting started. The outsoles definitely wear quickly... don't laugh but to slow the wear down I coat the bottoms with a thin layer of shoe goo... it works, haha. 100 miles on this pair and the outsoles haven't worn down any. If I were starting over again the Adidas AdiZero RCs or Pros would probably be a better choice before jumping into the PRs.

@strukljv: I'm not an expert, but if you aren't landing on your heels anymore then why do you need those big, high-heeled shoes? IMO they limit the natural range of motion in your feet (arches), ankles, achilles, and calves. Also, too much cushioning in a shoe blocks most the biofeedback that your body needs to make adjustments to your form. Like I said, just my opinion.


http://This message has been edited by RacingThoughts (edited Oct-05-2007).

I have read and followed most of the ideas on the pose website to improve my form. The ideas and the drills did help me a lot in improving my running form. The best things I learnt were not to flex my calves and to concentrate on landing lightly and lifting my foot from the ground. I found almost all the drills very useful in perfecting form; strengthen my ankles and developing hamstring movement and balance.

I must add that I am a natural fore foot striker anyway. I did not buy any of the book or video because I did not see the need for it. Additionally, I am not sure that people should change their running form.
From my observation of a lot of track athlete most top (not all) runners fore foot strike while in the larger population it seem as if most people heel strike. I am not sure why. I also agree with the pose people that there is just too much cushioning in modern running shoes. I was fitted for Orthotics and was misled into heel striking. I got rid of the Orthotics, and went back to my normal form of running and I must say I have been the better for it. For me there is no wear on the heels of my shoes but the mid sole is always worn.

I disagree with Andy Hass that it makes you slower, because a lot of fast runners do run with a classic pose technique. I will however agree that it does not necessarily make you run faster. I also agree that they over analyse too much, but then may be he is just interested in studying running form. Additionally, the falling forward part is over stressed. I do kind of fall forward as I run but I am not sure of the significance except in not over striding and pulling yourself forward versus landing under your COG and lifting your foot from the ground.

Finally, let me repeat that I do not advocate for people to just up and change their natural running form. I do agree however that there seem to be some merit in trying barefoot running just to find out what is natural for you.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by exciton:
The part that teaches good form is great. The rest is snake oil. You don't need to pay for this program to learn to run with good form.<HR>

Exactly. A decent book on form such as Thomas Miller's Programmed to Run will be as good as or better than POSE or ChiRunning. Better still, have a local coach evaluate (and if possible, videotape) your running form. Now that's an eye-opener...